My “Secret” Project Revealed: How a Random LinkedIn Connection Led Me to Alert Pop™ (And Why I’m So Excited About It!)

Okay… BIG moment.

I'm finally shared something I’ve been working on behind the scenes for almost a year—and let me tell you… it’s one of those “how did this even happen?!” stories that I LOVE.

It all started with a random LinkedIn connection.

You know how sometimes you just click with someone instantly? That’s exactly what happened when  Stephen Caldwell connected with me—serial entrepreneur, big thinker, and now… my partner-in-good-commotion.

What started as a simple connection turned into a wildly exciting collaboration built on mutual respect, shared energy, and what I like to call a perfect “balance of talents.”

Let’s just say I think Stephen Caldwell is a genius inventor!

And I aint so bad myself when it comes to helping take a great idea to the moon. (Well not the actual moon however come to think of it - since we did go to the moon again this week for the first time in a long while - maybe I should think about getting this product on the next moon trip? Hmm. I'll tuck that away for now, but that's kinda how I think . Hello NASA? Hi It's Debbie Nigro. LOL) 

And now… I can finally introduce you to what we’ve been working on.

Meet Alert Pop™ (Yes… It’s Exactly What You Might Think It Is)

Alert Pop™ is a sugar-free caffeinated lollipop made with organic green tea caffeine designed to help combat drowsy driving.

Yep. A lollipop—with a purpose.

But it’s quickly becoming so much more than that.

It’s a better-for-you energy option for anyone who needs a little lift without the jitters, crash, or overload—and honestly, the response so far has been incredible.

I did not invent it. Stephen did! But wow I’m proud to say I’m a Founding Partner, from out of the gate (actually since the moment the idea came out of his mouth) Stephen has a background in creating and manufacturing food products, so he knew and I knew he could bring this product to life. And he did!

And based on the level of interest we’re seeing? This feels like it’s going to be a BIG winner.

Why This Little Pop Packs a Punch

Here’s what makes Alert Pop™ so cool:

• Sugar-free (yes please )
• Caffeine equals about ½ cup of coffee per pop
• Made with organic green tea caffeine
• We’re adding L-theanine + B vitamins for focus
• No jitters. No crash.
• Flavors: Espresso / Blue Raspberry / Watermelon
• And… they actually taste GREAT.

But here’s the real kicker…

It’s not just about the caffeine—it’s about how your body absorbs it.

Because it’s a lollipop, the oral stimulation keeps your brain engaged while delivering energy more efficiently.

Who knew?! (Apparently… Stephen did. )

 

My Real-Life “Alert Pop Moment”

True story…

I’m sitting in my car in a dark supermarket parking lot around dinner time—exhausted, answering texts and emails, trying to convince myself to get out of the car and go food shopping.

All I could think was… I need coffee.

Then I remembered—I had Alert Pop™ samples in the car.

I literally laughed out loud as I opened the espresso flavor thinking, “Let’s see if this actually works…”

It worked.

Up. Moving. Shopping. Back in action.

(And slightly amused that a lollipop just saved dinner LOL )

 

The Story Behind Alert Pop™ (This One Matters)

This isn’t just a clever idea—it’s a meaningful one.

Stephen is a family guy. Father of 5. Four are girls. He calls himself a Girl Dad. Married to Lory his partner in life and business forever. It was joyful meeting up with him and Lory and two of Stephens kids Lizzie and Alli Grace for the first time last September in Las Vegas. More good energy.

When Stephen joined me here on The Debbie Nigro Show, he shared the moment that sparked everything—and it will get your attention for sure.

His daughter Alli Grace ( in the photo wearing white) told him about a close college friend who fell asleep at the wheel after working and studying all night nonstop.

He totaled his car.

Walked away… thankfully.

But it could have been very different.

And like all of us, Stephen had that immediate thought:

 That could have been my daughter.
 That could have been me.
 That could have been anyone.

That night, he woke up at 2AM and wrote down two words:

Alert Pop™

And just like that… the journey began.

 

Let This Sink In…

 1 in 25 drivers admits to falling asleep at the wheel.

And those are just the ones who admit it.

We’ve ALL had those moments…

“Wait… how did I just pass three exits?”

So yes—this is a product.

But it’s also a purpose-driven solution to a very real problem.

 

Big News… and We’re Just Getting Started

Things are moving FAST:

• Named Top 5 Best New Product (out of thousands!) at a major upcoming national trade show
• Stephen gets to present on the main stage in Las Vegas direct to top retailers
• Launching in travel rest stops nationwide this summer
• Getting massive love from:
• Students
• Busy professionals
• Healthcare workers
• Moms-on-the-move
• And yes… my 82-year-old Aunt Linda in Florida.

(Aunt Linda is literally handing them out to her friends so they can keep up with her—iconic.)

 

And let me just say…

The espresso flavor?
People are OBSESSED.

Like… hiding-it-from-your-friends obsessed.

 

Male Power & Female Power + Great Partnerships = Magic

I have been very fortunate along the way to work with and still do - some incredibly brilliant men at the very top of their game.

Men like Stephen Caldwell. Men who are ‘best in class’ at what they do and ‘best in class’ in how they treat the women in business who they work with - with total respect and appreciation. It matters.

One of my favorite parts of this journey is the entire incredible team behind it—which includes powerhouse men yes but also other totally amazing powerhouse women helping bring this to life.

No ego. All energy. Total collaboration.

(You KNOW I love that.)

 

And working with Stephen?

 Like I said I call him a ‘genius’. He calls me an “energy bomb”

And together? Let’s just say—we’re on a roll.

The Bigger Picture

This is about more than a product.

It’s about:

• Staying safe
• Making smarter choices
• Finding better-for-you energy alternatives
• And proving that great ideas often come from real-life problems that need solving

In this case?

 Drowsy driving was the problem.
 Alert Pop™ became the solution.

Final Thought (Because You Know I Always Have One…)

If you’ve still got a pulse—you’ve still got a shot.

And maybe… just maybe…

Now you’ve got a better way to stay awake for it.

Now THAT’S what I call Keeping the “Live” in Alive!

 

Enjoy the podcast of my conversation with Alert Pop™ inventor Stephen Caldwell on The Debbie Nigro Show!

If you’d rather read than listen, the full transcript is below.

The Debbie Nigro Show airs on Wellness Wednesdays | 11–12 Noon
Because it’s all about Keeping the “LIVE” in Alive! (because the alternative isn’t as festive )